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Magic continue push to playoffs against Wizards

Mar 5, 2008 - 1:55 PM Orlando (39-23) at Washington (29-30) 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - What a difference a year makes for the Orlando Magic, who look to continue their strong play on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.

The Magic have won seven of their last nine games, including Tuesday's 102-87 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

At 39-23, the Magic already are within one victory of last year's win total.

These teams have met only once in the four-game season series. Hedo Turkoglu scored 25 points to lead four players in double figures as Orlando won at Washington, 94-82, on November 3. Caron Butler scored 23 points for the Wizards.

Washington point guard Gilbert Arenas practiced for the first time in four months on Tuesday. Arenas, averaging 22.4 points, has been out since knee surgery on November 21. Arenas is hoping to return for the Wizards' west coast trip that begins March 25.

Washington continues to be without the services of Butler, out with a hip injury. The Wizards are 5-7 since Butler, averaging 21.4 points, last saw action in a 101-96 loss to Philadelphia on February 5.

Washington is 4-1 in its last five games, including a 101-84 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday to complete a two-game season sweep. A win on Wednesday would get the Wizards back to .500 for the first time since February 8.